CAMERAS filming the blockbuster movie on Portland will turn towards Weymouth for the annual Trawler Race Day festivities.

Organisers of the Weymouth Sea Festival, which incorporates the Trawler Race and the Birdman Contest, have been told by the makers of The Boat That Rocked they want to film the event.

Cameras mounted on powerboats and in a helicopter will film the trawlers as they follow a circuit in the bay and back to the harbour for the traditional soaking on Bank Holiday Monday May 26.

Sea Festival committee chairman Peter Targett is delighted as it is bound to stir up extra interest.

Mr Targett, who has been working as a consultant and a skipper on the film set, said: "They want to film the race and incorporate it in the film which is wonderful.

"The intention is to portray the trawlers as supporters of the pirate radio ship and some of the craft will be flying banners.

"We'll be laying on two boats to follow the trawlers so anyone who wants to get in on the action is welcome to hitch a ride."

The Weymouth Sea Festival - not to be confused with the Spirit of Sea event in July - kicks off on Sunday.

There will be stalls, a farmers market and a French market lining the harbour and bands will play outside the Rendezvous. The mine hunter ship HMS Cattistock will also be visiting.

Monday will have the usual mix of stalls and music plus there will be displays. People are urged to dig deep and drop cash in the collecting buckets.

Trawlers will be dressed between 9-10am and after the presentation of trophies will head out at 11.10am, led by the lifeboat and HMS Cattistock.

The birdman contest will start at 2.45pm and more people are being sought to take part. The oldest competitor so far this year - 70-year-old George Lawson of Weymouth - says it's a lot of fun.

"I went as a witch last time and this year I'm going as a bumblebee. I'd recommend it to anyone," said George who also ran the London Marathon this year.

The girl chosen as this year's Sea Queen - 19-year-old barmaid Martina Smith of Portland - will also be donning a funny costume and jumping in the water.

She said: "I'll be changing out of my queen's dress and into my pyjamas. It's going to be great fun."

Mr Targett said: "We want to make it bigger and better this year and I'd urge the town to get behind this event which supports local charities."

To support the event and obtain a birdman entry form contact Marion Targett on 01305 826199 or 07528 154386.

Find out more on the website: www.weymouthseafestival.co.uk The Weymouth oyster festival has been incorporated into the Dorset Seafood Festival, part of the Spirit of the Sea celebrations in July.